The rail operator anticipates the affected lines will include Haslemere to Portsmouth, Eastleigh to Weymouth and Salisbury to Exeter.

A statement from South West Trains (SWT) said: "Our weather forecasters are projecting that we could see gusts of wind ranging from 35 to 50mph from early Friday evening, with isolated gusts reaching 60mph in some areas.

"At present we are planning to run a normal timetable on all routes on the evening of Friday (February 3) and the morning of Saturday (February 4), however the risk of trees and debris being blown onto the railway will require us to make adjustments to trains in affected areas.

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A statement says: "Gales are expected to affect some southern parts of England and Wales during Friday; inland locations are likely to see a relatively short period of 40-50mph gusts, while windward coastal areas will see a longer period of 50 to 60mph gusts with isolated gusts to 70mph."

The Met Office adds that "occasionally heavy rain" will also affect southwest England through Friday evening, which "may lead to travel disruption".